Partial autograph letter signed concerning the prospects for emancipated African Americans.
Published by [Camp Nelson, Kentucky: likely early 1865]
- Signed
- Used
Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United KingdomPeter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.
AbeBooks seller since July 26, 1999
Condition: Used
£ 1,250.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
An impassioned letter from the leading Kentucky abolitionist John G. Fee (1816-1901), written near the close of the Civil War and addressing the urgent question of how to govern and support the newly emancipated population. Fee writes to General John McCauley Palmer (1817-1900), military commander of the District of Kentucky. The letter, unfortunately incomplete, was probably written in early 1865, during Fee's time at Camp Nelson. First established as a supply depot and hospital, Camp Nelson became a refuge for thousands of enslaved people fleeing bondage and a major recruitment centre for United States Colored Troops. Fee notes that part of the camp's land had been seized from secessionists: "Twelve hundred acres of the land in this camp did belong to notorious rebels - rebels who made up a rebel company - went out with Bragg. Another twelve hundred belong to copperheads, to say the least of them". Fee outlines his vision for emancipated African Americans in Kentucky, urging policies that would encourage independence and self-reliance: "Now allow me to suggest that this people be made self supporting. this will be a good to them as well as relief to the public crib. It will throw upon them responsibility, stimulate them to industry and cultivate self reliance. May I suggest that it is better to give to them land than bread. Some - the young, crippled and infirm - need an asylum. But many of these soldiers, if an acre or even half acre of ground were given, would put up their own house, and support their own families; at least the families would support themselves. Benevolent societies might & would furnish them teachers, missionaries & some clothing". He warns it "may not be best to congregate these colored people into colonies" and instead wants them attached to the soil "all over the state", rooted in society. Fee also invokes his own upbringing among enslaved people, insisting that African Americans were as capable of moral and religious development as any other people if given sympathetic guidance: "I was raised on a farm, with slaves - know their habits. They are capable of development as other men - morally, religiously, they are very hopeful. The best way to govern them is to teach them to govern themselves". He stresses that those charged with their oversight should be "men who are in religious sympathy with them", not speculators exploiting their labour. Bifolium and single sheet, page size 200 x 126 mm, on United States Christian Commission letterhead, comprising six handwritten pages numbered 5-9 (10 unnumbered); pages 1 to 4 are missing from this letter. Light toning and handling soiling with one small chip not affecting writing: in very good condition.…
Seller Inventory # 192291
Bibliographic details
- Title
- Partial autograph letter signed concerning the prospects for emancipated African Americans.
- Author
- ABOLITIONISM - FEE, John G.
- Publisher
- [Camp Nelson, Kentucky: likely early 1865]
- Signed
- Signed by Author(s)
Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.
London, United Kingdom
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 12 business days | 2 to 3 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 22.00 | £ 30.00 |
Payment methods
- Bank Draft
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Check
- Money Order
Store description
Peter Harrington Antiquarian Bookseller has grown to become one of the largest and best known rare booksellers in Europe. Member of the ABA and ILAB. Visit us in the UK at 100 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6HS Phone +44 (0)20 7591 0220 Fax +44 (0)20 7225 7054 www.peterharrington.co.uk
Specialty
Original Artwork & Illustrations, Economics, Colour-Plate Books, Fine Bindings, Landmarks in Science & History, Voyage, Travel & Atlases, Bound Sets, Children's & Illustrated Books, English & American Literature, Modern First EditionsAssociation member
Seller's business information
Peter Harrington Ltd
100 Fulham Road
London, United Kingdom SW3 6HS
Terms of sale
All major credit cards are accepted. Both UK pounds and US dollars (exchange rate to be agreed) accepted. Books may be returned within 14 days of purchase for any reason, but please notify first of returned goods.
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
All shipped items are expertly packed and fully insured. All books to be sent by Recorded Delivery (UK) or signed-for Air Mail (overseas) service. UPS Express shipping also available. Packaging and insurance costs are included. Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.